New Year’s resolutions—they’re easy to make but easier to break. Why is it so hard to make the healthy changes that we know can help us feel better and live longer? And why is it so hard to make them last?
The UCSF Patient Health Library has compiled the following tools that can help you remove the barriers to making good habits a part of your life:
How to Create Healthy Habits
From the National Institutes of Health's News in Health Newsletter
http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/Dec2010/Feature1
Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Outlook
From the UCSF Medical Center - Patient Education
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/healthy_lifestyles_healthy_outlook/
Behavior Modification Ideas for Weight Management
From the UCSF Medical Center - Patient Education
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/behavior_modification_ideas_for_weight_management/index.html
Passing on Healthy Habits to Your Children
From FamilyDoctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/kids/781.html
The Healthy Habits of Good Sleep
From the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
http://www.sleepeducation.com/Hygiene.aspx
Healthy living
From MedlinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002393.htm
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
MedlinePlus: Online Health Information
MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Resources and tools include:
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Resources and tools include:
- Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
- Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
- Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
- Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
- News: Current health news and press announcements
- Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Consumer Health Information from the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government agency responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, medical devices, food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
The FDA's consumer health website provides a wealth of useful information. Check out the following:
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
The FDA's consumer health website provides a wealth of useful information. Check out the following:
- Consumer Updates
- Timely and easy-to-read articles covering all FDA activities and regulated products
- Free Print Publications
- In addition to offering consumer materials online, the Food and Drug Administration will mail or fax brochures, articles, and other print publications at no cost. They also provide many downloadable, printer-friendly documents.
- Multi-Media Consumer Information
- Videos, photo slide shows, podcasts and audio
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Toxic Substances in the Home and Out
Have you ever wondered what those chemicals in your household cleaning products are? Or wondered what effects you might suffer living near an oil refinery, a power plant or on a former industrial site? Use the following websites to learn about toxins, household products, and environmental health risks.
UCSF Toxic Matters Website
Toxic Matters is a nontechnical website filled with scientifically verified tips and suggestions for avoiding toxic chemical exposure. The website and downloadable brochure include specific tips on reducing exposure to metals and synthetic chemicals in everyday life—at home, at work, and in the community—and provide links to other sources with more detailed information.
Household Products Database
What's under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room? The NLM Household Products Database helps scientists and consumers learn about ingredients in brand-name products. Learn about what's in these products, about potential health effects, and about safety and handling.
Tox Town
Tox Town, the National Library of Medicine interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances, gives an introduction to toxic chemicals and environmental health risks you might encounter in everyday life and in everyday places.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Holiday Food Safety
- How long do I need to cook a 20-pound turkey?
- What should I know to safely cook for a large group?
- How long will my leftovers still be good?
- Are there any tips for making a "turducken"?
- How can I keep my stress level down while trying to prepare a perfect holiday meal?
Seaonsal food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays
[Source: US Department of Agriculture]
Are You Storing Food Safely?
[Source: US Food and Drug Administration]
Food Safety During Cancer Therapy
[Source: UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center]
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Great American Smokeout
The American Cancer Society is marking the 35th Great American Smokeout on November 18 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.
Local Resources:
The UCSF Medical Center's Tobacco Education Center offers classes, as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. They help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit. Services include:
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 885-7895
San Francisco Stop Smoking Site: A UCSF research program for smokers who are ready to quit.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.
Local Resources:
The UCSF Medical Center's Tobacco Education Center offers classes, as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. They help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit. Services include:
- Smoking Cessation Classes
- Relapse Prevention Program
- Doctor Consultation
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 885-7895
San Francisco Stop Smoking Site: A UCSF research program for smokers who are ready to quit.
Friday, November 12, 2010
UpToDate for Patients: A Unique Resource
UpToDate for Patients provides free access to current information on hundreds of health topics to inform patients and help them share in the decision making process with their healthcare providers.
Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.
The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.
You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.
Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.
The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.
You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of the world's leading cancer centers, including the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. NCCN aims to provide people with cancer—and the general public—state-of-the-art cancer treatment information in easy-to-understand language. NCCN.com includes information on all facets of cancer, from prevention and screening through life after cancer.
NCCN has recently begun publishing NCCN Guidelines for Patients, a set of guidelines to help patients when they talk to their doctor about treatment options.
Available today are NCCN Guidelines for Patients on Breast Cancer and NCCN Guidelines for Patients on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, with addition guidelines coming soon.
For more information:
About the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Medical care at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Health Information Websites from the UCSF Patient Health Library
For more information:
About the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Medical care at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Health Information Websites from the UCSF Patient Health Library
Friday, October 22, 2010
Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Flu activity in the United States is low now, making this an excellent time to get a flu vaccine. This season, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated, even if they got a seasonal or 2009 H1N1 vaccine last season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine has been updated to protect against the three flu viruses that CDC expects will cause the most illness in the United States this season.
Where can you get a flu shot?
Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic: AITC is a non-profit, fee-for-service clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. AITC is committed to providing convenient, knowledgeable, personalized, and cost-effective immunization services for travelers, students, new employees, immigrants, and other members of the community. Information is available at http://www.sfcdcp.org/aitc.html
Groups at high risk for developing flu-related complications
- Children older than 6 months and younger than 5 years (especially children younger than 2 years old)
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
People who have certain medical conditions are also at high risk for developing flu-related complications:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
- Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
- Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
- Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
- Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
- Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater)
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
- People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
- Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
- People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
Where can you get a flu shot?
Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic: AITC is a non-profit, fee-for-service clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. AITC is committed to providing convenient, knowledgeable, personalized, and cost-effective immunization services for travelers, students, new employees, immigrants, and other members of the community. Information is available at http://www.sfcdcp.org/aitc.html
Friday, October 15, 2010
How to Handle Home Emergencies
From the October 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health comes information on how to handle home emergencies.
Some of the highlights:
Other resources:
When Should I Go to the Emergency Department? [from the American College of Emergency Physicians]
First Aid & Safety [from KidsHealth.org]
First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives [from the Mayo Clinic]
Some of the highlights:
- Cuts and scapes - Clean cuts with soap and running water, rather than alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide.
- Bleeding - Use pressure to stop bleeding, rather than elevating the affected area or applying chemical products designed to stem the flow of blood.
- Burns - Ice can damage skin further; run cool water over the burn for 10-20 minutes to stop the burning process.
- When to go to the hospital
- What should be in your home first-aid kit and your car first-aid kit.
Other resources:
When Should I Go to the Emergency Department? [from the American College of Emergency Physicians]
First Aid & Safety [from KidsHealth.org]
First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives [from the Mayo Clinic]
Monday, October 11, 2010
Mood and Food
Do you eat when you're not hungry? Here are some helpful hints regarding mood and food from the Mayo Clinic:
"You might be indulging as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. If you turn to comfort foods out of habit rather than hunger, try a new tact. Instead of opening a bag of potato chips or unwrapping a candy bar, take a walk or treat yourself to a movie. If stress seems to nudge you toward the refrigerator, find a distraction. Listen to music, read a book or chat with a friend."
UCSF resources on food, eating habits and nutrition:
UCSF Women's Health Resource Center
2356 Sutter Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-1750
Phone: 415.353.2668
"You might be indulging as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. If you turn to comfort foods out of habit rather than hunger, try a new tact. Instead of opening a bag of potato chips or unwrapping a candy bar, take a walk or treat yourself to a movie. If stress seems to nudge you toward the refrigerator, find a distraction. Listen to music, read a book or chat with a friend."
- Weight-loss help: Gain control of emotional eating
- Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan
- Guide to portion control for weight loss
- Feel full on fewer calories
UCSF resources on food, eating habits and nutrition:
- Food and nutrition resources from the UCSF Library.
- Learn how to establish healthy eating habits for your children from the UCSF Children's Hospital.
- The UCSF Women's Health Resource Center offers women and their families the opportunity to learn about women's health issues that cross the life span — from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Services include:
- A lending library with over 2000 women's health titles.
- An extensive collection of patient education materials covering a wide variety of health topics.
- Regular classes and workshops to give you an opportunity to learn about specific women's health issues and to talk to some of the leading researchers and physicians about your questions and concerns.
- The Resource Center has linkages with many bay area programs to help you and your family. They maintain a community resources database with information on topics including nutrition, exercise and body image.
UCSF Women's Health Resource Center
2356 Sutter Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-1750
Phone: 415.353.2668
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Dietary Fiber
Resources from MedlinePlus:
Fiber: Start Roughing It!
[an overview from the Harvard School of Public Health]
Fiber Supplements: Are They Safe to Take Every Day?
[from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research]
You can find a link to MedlinePlus on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Resources from UCSF:
Why Fiber Is So Good for You
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]
Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]
How fiber affects carbohydrate counting for people with diabetes
[from the UCSF Diabetes Teaching Center]
You can find the UCSF Medical Center Online Health Library at http://www.ucsfhealth.org/.
Need more information? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Fiber: Start Roughing It!
[an overview from the Harvard School of Public Health]
Fiber Supplements: Are They Safe to Take Every Day?
[from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research]
You can find a link to MedlinePlus on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Resources from UCSF:
Why Fiber Is So Good for You
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]
Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables
[from the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital]
How fiber affects carbohydrate counting for people with diabetes
[from the UCSF Diabetes Teaching Center]
You can find the UCSF Medical Center Online Health Library at http://www.ucsfhealth.org/.
Need more information? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Adult Vaccines
Vaccines aren't just for kids. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that many adults become ill, are disabled, or die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines.
Everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations. The CDC has a short, online questionnaire that can help you find out if there are vaccines that are recommended for you.
Some of these diseases can be especially serious for adults age 65 and older:
For more information:
Vaccine-preventable adult diseases [from the CDC]
Read the article "Good news on adult vaccines" from the August 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health, available at the UCSF Patient Health Library.
Everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations. The CDC has a short, online questionnaire that can help you find out if there are vaccines that are recommended for you.
Some of these diseases can be especially serious for adults age 65 and older:
- Influenza (flu)
- Shingles
- Diphtheria
- Pneumococcus (pneumonia)
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
For more information:
Vaccine-preventable adult diseases [from the CDC]
Read the article "Good news on adult vaccines" from the August 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health, available at the UCSF Patient Health Library.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Resources on Nutrition and Cancer
Online
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
(from the National Cancer Institute)
Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
(from the National Cancer Institute)
Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects
(from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)
Nutrition & Cancer: The Whole Diet
(Podcast from the UCSF Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center)
Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire
Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.
Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, September 21, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, October 26, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 30, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Eating for Strong Bones:
Wednesday, October 6, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Thursday, October 21, 10:00 - 11:30am
Tuesday, November 23, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Nutrition & Chemotherapy:
Tuesday, October 19, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 3, 12:00 – 1:30pm
To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition-counseling-and-workshops.
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
(from the National Cancer Institute)
Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
(from the National Cancer Institute)
Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects
(from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)
Nutrition & Cancer: The Whole Diet
Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire
Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.
Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, September 21, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, October 26, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 30, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Eating for Strong Bones:
Wednesday, October 6, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Thursday, October 21, 10:00 - 11:30am
Tuesday, November 23, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Nutrition & Chemotherapy:
Tuesday, October 19, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 3, 12:00 – 1:30pm
To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition-counseling-and-workshops.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Creating a Family Health History
A family health history is a written record of a family's health. The history contains information about a family's medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. It's like a family tree for health.
You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.
Many diseases result from a combination of a person's genes, lifestyle, and environment. People can't change the genes they inherit from their parents. But they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family.
A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person's risk of certain diseases. The health care professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.
For more information, visit Creating a Family Health History from the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine.
You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia.
Many diseases result from a combination of a person's genes, lifestyle, and environment. People can't change the genes they inherit from their parents. But they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family.
A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person's risk of certain diseases. The health care professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.
For more information, visit Creating a Family Health History from the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
MedlinePlus: Online Health Information
MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Resources and tools include:
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Resources and tools include:
- Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
- Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
- Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
- Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
- News: Current health news and press announcements
- Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian by email, telephone, or in person.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is "to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats."
Resources and tools the CDC offer include:
Resources and tools the CDC offer include:
- Diseases & Conditions: ADHD, Birth Defects, Cancer, Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Flu, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, STDs
- Emergency Preparedness & Response: Bioterrorism, Chemical & Radiation Emergencies, Severe Weather
- Environmental Health: Air Pollution, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Mold, Water Quality, Climate Change
- Life Stages & Populations: Infant & Child, Men, Minorities, Pregnancy, Seniors, Women
- Healthy Living: Food Safety, Bone Health, Physical Activity, Immunizations, Genetics, Smoking Prevention
- Injury, Violence & Safety: Brain Injury, Child Abuse, Falls, Fires, Poisoning, Suicide, Youth Violence
- Travelers' Health: Destinations, Outbreaks, Travel Vaccinations, Yellow Book
- Workplace Safety & Health: Asbestos, Chemical Safety, Construction, Mining, Office Environments, Respirators
- Multimedia Information and Tools
- Data and Statistics
- Information in Multiple Languages
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Understanding the Affordable Care Act
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act. The law puts into place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies more accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care. The Act will not be implemented all at once. Portions of the law have already taken effect. Other changes will be implemented through 2014 and beyond.
The healthcare.gov website, explains the changes including:
The healthcare.gov website, explains the changes including:
- The strengthening of Medicare
- The reduction of healthcare disparities
- A new Patient’s Bill of Rights
- A timeline showing when changes will occur
Thursday, August 12, 2010
National Institutes of Health: Online Health Information
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency and the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. The NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific focus.
The NIH Health Information website contains health information in an easy-to-browse format.
Browse by:
Health topics A to Z
Conditions/diseases
Procedures and therapies
Symptoms
Health and Wellness
Body location/systems
Women's health
Men's health
Seniors' health
Minority health
You can also search the website by keywords, find information about NIH research (read some of the latest research), and subscribe to email updates on over 40 health topics.
The 27 Institutes and Centers making up the NIH include:
National Cancer Institute
National Eye Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute of Mental Health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Find out more about the Institutes and Centers of the NIH
Did you know?
UCSF received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health than any other public institution in 2009, and received the second largest amount of all institutions nationwide. Read the whole story.
The NIH Health Information website contains health information in an easy-to-browse format.
Browse by:
Health topics A to Z
Conditions/diseases
Procedures and therapies
Symptoms
Health and Wellness
Body location/systems
Women's health
Men's health
Seniors' health
Minority health
You can also search the website by keywords, find information about NIH research (read some of the latest research), and subscribe to email updates on over 40 health topics.
The 27 Institutes and Centers making up the NIH include:
National Cancer Institute
National Eye Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute of Mental Health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Find out more about the Institutes and Centers of the NIH
Did you know?
UCSF received more research funds from the National Institutes of Health than any other public institution in 2009, and received the second largest amount of all institutions nationwide. Read the whole story.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Art and Science of Natural Products: Fish Oil, Cranberry Juice, and Probiotics
From the May 2010 NCCAM Newsletter (the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health):
The Art and Science of Natural Products
The use of "natural products" to improve health has become very popular. Shelves at health food stores and supermarkets are full of natural products that claim to improve health. But what do we know about them? Are these "natural" remedies safe and do they work?
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying how natural products might affect health, including three that have attracted public interest and show scientific promise—fish oil, cranberry juice, and probiotics.
Read the full article at http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_may/naturalproduct.htm.
Want more information? Use the Drugs and Supplements section of MedlinePlus or contact the librarian at the UCSF Patient Health Library for help finding information about the safety and efficacy of natural products.
The Art and Science of Natural Products
The use of "natural products" to improve health has become very popular. Shelves at health food stores and supermarkets are full of natural products that claim to improve health. But what do we know about them? Are these "natural" remedies safe and do they work?
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying how natural products might affect health, including three that have attracted public interest and show scientific promise—fish oil, cranberry juice, and probiotics.
Read the full article at http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_may/naturalproduct.htm.
Want more information? Use the Drugs and Supplements section of MedlinePlus or contact the librarian at the UCSF Patient Health Library for help finding information about the safety and efficacy of natural products.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
UpToDate for Patients: A Unique Resource
UpToDate for Patients provides free access to current information on hundreds of health topics to inform patients and help them share in the decision making process with their healthcare providers.
Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.
The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.
You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.
Similar to the UpToDate information for health professionals, the patient information topics are reviewed every four months based on the recent medical literature. All patient information topics are written and edited by UpToDate's in-house nurse practitioner and physician editors and reviewed by an external physician author and section editor. Thus, their information is current, accurate and evidence-based.
The health topics include an in-depth discussion of the risk factors, causes, diagnostic processes, preventive measures, complications, and recommended treatments for many of the most common conditions. There are extensive references and links to article abstracts.
You can find UpToDate's website on the UCSF Patient Health Library's Health Information Websites page along with many other health information resources.
Need more help? Contact the Patient Health Librarian, by email, telephone, or in person.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
MedlinePlus: Online Health Information
MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Check out the new look of the MedlinePlus website that was unveiled today!
Resources and tools include:
Resources and tools include:
- Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
- Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
- Videos, Tutorials and Cool Tools
- Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
- News: Current health news and press announcements
- Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals
Friday, July 9, 2010
Facts about Smoking and Help for Quitting
[Click on the image for a larger version]
(Data compiled from cdc.gov, cancer.org, and listverse.com. Originally posted at OnlineSchools.org / www.onlineschools.org)
The UCSF Medical Center's Tobacco Education Center offers classes as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. They help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit. Services include:
- Smoking Cessation Classes
- Relapse Prevention Program
- Doctor Consultation
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 885-7895
See also the UCSF Legacy Tobacco Documents Library. This digital library contains more than 11 million documents created by major tobacco companies related to their advertising, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and scientific research activities. The library also includes video and audio clips and court transcripts.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The New Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
On July 1, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new program created by the Affordable Care Act (the new healthcare law that Congress passed in March 2010) to help provide coverage for uninsured people with pre‑existing conditions.
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide a new health coverage option for you if you have been uninsured for at least six months, are a U.S. citizen or are residing here legally, and either have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of your health condition.
In California, this program begins in August 2010 (apply by July 15 to have insurance by August 1). See details and find out how to apply at HealthCare.gov.
Read an easy-to-understand, printable brochure on how the Affordable Care Act helps people with pre-existing conditions.
Read the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide a new health coverage option for you if you have been uninsured for at least six months, are a U.S. citizen or are residing here legally, and either have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of your health condition.
In California, this program begins in August 2010 (apply by July 15 to have insurance by August 1). See details and find out how to apply at HealthCare.gov.
Read an easy-to-understand, printable brochure on how the Affordable Care Act helps people with pre-existing conditions.
Read the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Preventing Drug Errors
The June 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health has a very useful article called How to Prevent Drug Errors. The article reviews how to protect yourself from dangerous medication mistakes:
More information on patient safety is available on the UCSF Medical Center website.
- In the doctor's office
- At the pharmacy
- At home
- In the hospital
- Keep a current list of medications, including dosage amounts, who prescribed them, and when you are supposed to take them
- Thoroughly read the drug labels and drug information sheet from the pharmacy.
- Speak up: ask the pharmacist or your doctor if you have any questions about the medications you are taking.
More information on patient safety is available on the UCSF Medical Center website.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Resources on Nutrition and Cancer
Online
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care (from the National Cancer Institute)
Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (from the National Cancer Institute)
Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects (from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)
Additional online resources can be found on MedlinePlus. Type the words [nutrition cancer] into the search box in the upper, right corner.
Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire
Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.
Healthy Shopping Made Easy:
Thursday, July 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, July 20th, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, August 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Tuesday, July 13th, 9:30 – 11:00am
Wednesday, August 11th, 12:00 – 1:30pm
To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition.php.
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care (from the National Cancer Institute)
Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (from the National Cancer Institute)
Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects (from UCSF Medical Center's online Health Library)
Additional online resources can be found on MedlinePlus. Type the words [nutrition cancer] into the search box in the upper, right corner.
Nutrition Counseling & Workshops at UCSF
with registered dietician, Greta Macaire
Nutrition counseling services are open to UCSF cancer patients at no charge, although donations are appreciated. A dietitian is available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled through any of the oncology practices.
Healthy Shopping Made Easy:
Thursday, July 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Nutrition & Prostate Cancer:
Tuesday, July 20th, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Tuesday, August 3rd, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Nutrition & Breast Cancer:
Tuesday, July 13th, 9:30 – 11:00am
Wednesday, August 11th, 12:00 – 1:30pm
To register for these free seminars call the Ida & Joseph Friend Cancer Resource Center at 415.885.3693. More information is available by calling or going online to http://cancer.ucsf.edu/crc/nutrition.php.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Recent Advances in Cancer Research from the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting
Learn about recent advances from the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) 2010 Annual Meeting (June 4-8, Chicago, Illinois), either in person or online:
Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum
Presents "ASCO 2010 (American Society of Clinical Oncology): News from the Annual Int'l Oncology Meeting"
Wednesday, June 16, 6:00-7:30 pm
UCSF Medical Center at Mt. Zion
1600 Divisadero St., H Bldg., 3rd floor conference room
Moderator: Hope Rugo, MD
The Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum is a monthly gathering of health care providers, researchers, patients, and patient advocates/friends/caregivers. Discussion will be accompanied by a light dinner.
This and other Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum events are also available by podcast.
For information, contact Lauren Metzroth, 415.885.7213.
Recent Advances in Lung Cancer, Melanoma, CML Research
Cancer.Net, the patient information website from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), has information on recent advances shared at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting (June 4-8, Chicago, Illinois). The following studies highlight advances in lung cancer, melanoma, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Linked below are easy-to-read summaries, as well as podcasts and videos that allow you to hear directly from leading oncologists about what these studies mean.
Lung Cancer
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Lung Cancer.
Melanoma
To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Lynn Schuchter, MD, professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and associate director of the Clinical Research Unit at Abramson Cancer Center.
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Melanoma.
CML
To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Sonali Smith, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to CML.
Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum
Presents "ASCO 2010 (American Society of Clinical Oncology): News from the Annual Int'l Oncology Meeting"
Wednesday, June 16, 6:00-7:30 pm
UCSF Medical Center at Mt. Zion
1600 Divisadero St., H Bldg., 3rd floor conference room
Moderator: Hope Rugo, MD
The Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum is a monthly gathering of health care providers, researchers, patients, and patient advocates/friends/caregivers. Discussion will be accompanied by a light dinner.
This and other Bay Area Breast Cancer Forum events are also available by podcast.
For information, contact Lauren Metzroth, 415.885.7213.
Recent Advances in Lung Cancer, Melanoma, CML Research
Cancer.Net, the patient information website from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), has information on recent advances shared at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting (June 4-8, Chicago, Illinois). The following studies highlight advances in lung cancer, melanoma, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Linked below are easy-to-read summaries, as well as podcasts and videos that allow you to hear directly from leading oncologists about what these studies mean.
Lung Cancer
- Drug Combination Increases Survival for Older People With Advanced Lung Cancer
- Selenium Doesn't Prevent a Second Tumor for Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- New Drug Helps Manage Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for Some Patients
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Lung Cancer.
Melanoma
To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Lynn Schuchter, MD, professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and associate director of the Clinical Research Unit at Abramson Cancer Center.
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to Melanoma.
CML
To learn more about the findings of this study, listen to a podcast or watch a video with Sonali Smith, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
See also, Cancer.Net's Guide to CML.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
MedlinePlus: Online Health Information
MedlinePlus is a free, easy-to-use health information service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Resources and tools include:
New, enhanced MedlinePlus site coming Summer 2010. Preview the new look and offer feedback.
- Health Topics: Over 800 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness
- Drugs & Supplements: About your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements
- Videos and Tutorials
- Medical Encyclopedia and Dictionary
- News: Current health news and press announcements
- Directories: Find doctors, dentists and hospitals
New, enhanced MedlinePlus site coming Summer 2010. Preview the new look and offer feedback.
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